A CULTURAL AFFAIR

In many traditional American weddings, the bride wears white, the couple dances its first dance and guests dine on chicken or beef. In multicultural affairs, however, anything goes: Ethnic custom meets Western trends to create an eclectic event to suit all sides.

“Most multicultural weddings are very extravagant,” says wedding consultant Nahid Farhoud, whose company, Wedding Elegance, specializes in multicultural events. “It doesn’t matter what the culture is — Indian, Persian, Filipino — they want big centerpieces and a big reception.”

No matter what the couple wants, Farhoud is happy to oblige to help them create a wedding that perfectly combines cultures as well as offers an American touch to reflect their current residence.

“Most couples want it more Westernized now,” says Farhoud, who is of Middle Eastern descent. “I haven’t had anyone that’s totally ethnic — at least one side is from a different culture — and they all want the overall event to be more Westernized with bits of their culture mixed in.”

Here are a few ways Farhoud suggests mixing the traditional with the trendy to create the perfect multicultural affair:

  • Ceremony: Incorporate both religions or traditions into one ceremony. “I have had Persian brides with Jewish grooms,” she explains. “They will get married under the chuppah, to represent Judaism, but do a Persian ceremony. They will also begin their reception with both traditional Jewish and Persian dances.”
  • Food: “Right now, with the economy, many couples are sticking with the food that their reception site offers, but there are still unique ways to incorporate the food of the culture into the reception,” Farhoud adds. “Many hotels are allowing couples to bring appetizers and desserts from their own culture, as well as have special drinks. For Americans, the trend is to have gourmet coffee stations. For Middle Eastern and Indian cultures, many couples do a tea station with specially brewed and prepared tea to accompany their dessert table.”
  • Music: Get a mix master on the mic. “Couples will bring in groups of dancers to perform their traditional dances and hire a cultural deejay — Persian for example — who will also play American music.”

Farhoud, who says planning multicultural weddings “comes naturally” to her, loves the creativity that comes with the territory of combining cultures.

“It’s never the same style over and over,” she says. “With multicultural weddings, you can really be creative with the colors, the food and all the specific elements that nobody does exactly the same. Every time, it’s a different tradition.”

For more information about planning a multicultural wedding, call 619-920-2976, or visit www.weddingelegancesd.com.

    
 
 
   
   


THE HONEST BOOTH

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a multiphoto strip from a photo booth is even more valuable — especially if it captures the true happiness of your wedding day. Thanks to Foto Cabina, a premium booth rental company based in Anaheim, you don’t have to have your wedding at an amusement park to benefit from the fun of a photo booth. They’ll bring their sleek, upscale booth — which can hold up to 10 people — right to you. Photos are displayed on a large screen outside the booth and can be customized with graphics highlighting your big event. Guests get one copy while you get the other to keep as a memento of all the fun your guests had at your unique wedding.

For more information, call 714-683-1880 or visit fotocabina.com.

    
     
   


FINISHING TOUCHES:
PAMPER YOUR PARTY

If you’re seeking a more sophisticated bachelorette bash, look no further than your local spa. La Jolla Spa MD offers ultimate relaxation before your big day with its spa packages, which include facials, massages, a lime and ginger salt glow and discounted medical spa services. Parties of four or more get VIP treatment, including a customized e-mail invitation to send to your guests, champagne, desserts, mini gift bags and a private room and host.

For more information, call 858-459-6868 or visit www.spa-md.com.